Undrafted Abdul-Quddus Eager to Earn his Stripes

The Saints opened training camp this season with 20 undrafted free agents. Only one made the 53-man roster announced Saturday – Safety Isa Abdul-Quddus.

Abdul-Quddus (pronounced Ab-dool-KA-doos) comes to New Orleans after he was a two-year starter at Fordham. He had 193 tackles, including 12 for losses, three sacks, three interceptions and ten pass defenses during his college career.

The undrafted rookie called being named to the roster an “exiting opportunity” but cautioned he hasn’t celebrated much because of what lies ahead.

“I am really excited but I don’t want to celebrate yet because we still have a lot to do and games to try and win,” he said. “It was exciting and a relief but now I have to work even harder to keep my spot.”

Abdul-Quddus saw his most signification action in the Saints nationally-televised win against the Raiders in Oakland where he notched three tackles.

The Saints had as many 18 defensive backs during training camp but only nine made the 53-man roster announced on Saturday. Abdul-Quddus, along with third-round selection Johnny Patrick, were the only rookies to make the squad.

“We let go of a lot great players that I looked up to and helped me get to this point,” said Abdul-Quddus. “I am definitely grateful for this opportunity. I am going to work hard to keep it and honor the guys that helped me get here.”

Abdul-Quddus hopes to continue a New Orleans trend of undrafted rookies turned contributors, including RB Chris Ivory and DE Junior Galette from last season.

Abdul-Quddus said he is not sure what his role will be yet and stressed it doesn’t matter to him; his approach will be the same.

“I have to find my part to help this team win,” Abdul-Quddus said. “Whether it’s in the secondary or on special teams, my role will be the same to me – help the Saints win.”

Although he has only been in New Orleans for a little over a month, the Union, N.J. native said he has thoroughly enjoyed two things about the Crescent City.

“I actually like the heat coming from the northeast. The weather here is pretty nice,” said Abdul-Quddus. “I haven’t been able to experience much around the city but I will say this - the fans have been great. They are everywhere and treat the team well.”